BERN: Planned US-Iran peace talks scheduled for Friday have been cancelled, the Swiss foreign ministry confirmed, marking another setback in efforts to stabilise tensions following a recently signed accord between the two countries.
In a statement sent to AFP, the Swiss foreign ministry said the meeting involving the United States, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan had been postponed. Switzerland added that it remained ready to facilitate future negotiations and that preparatory work at the Burgenstock venue would continue, although no new date has been announced.
The cancellation follows an earlier announcement from the White House that US Vice President JD Vance would not travel to Switzerland for the talks. A spokesperson said logistical challenges had made the negotiations difficult to organise.
The planned meeting was intended to initiate technical discussions under a broader agreement signed earlier this week aimed at ending hostilities involving Iran, reopening key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, and establishing a 60-day framework for further negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security issues.
Iranian officials had also expressed uncertainty about the timing of the talks, with the semi-official Tasnim news agency reporting that no final confirmation had been received regarding the delegation’s participation.
Despite the cancellation, both sides have indicated a willingness to resume dialogue. Iranian authorities said face-to-face negotiations with the United States would take place in the future, although they stressed this would not imply acceptance of opposing positions.
The agreement, signed separately by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, has already faced political and logistical challenges. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly approved the deal with reservations, while warning of a strong response if commitments are violated.
Regional tensions remain high, with ongoing military activity in Lebanon further complicating the fragile diplomatic environment.